Fine and Performing Arts

Theatre

Students in Theatre Arts receive specific training in theatre history, acting, stage production, technical theatre, and other related topics. Since all Theatre courses are performance-based, students perform in Showcases and the One-Act Play Festival, called ONE!

In addition, Theatre students can audition for Sanderson Theatre Experience fall plays and spring musicals. Sanderson Theatre students also are eligible to become active in the International Thespian Society student organization, Troupe 5843.

Choral Music

Although our expectations are very high, this is the class that students know they will find success. Students learn early that failure is not an option.  Socially, this class is really important to students. On any given day, there is a minimum of twenty-five students “hanging out” in the chorus room, before school starts.  Students are not only “culturally diverse”, but also “academically diverse” in all of the classes.

Sanderson Vocal Music students have performed both statewide and internationally. Faculty and students actively collaborate on school musicals, festivals, and other school and local events.  Students who have graduated from Jesse O. Sanderson High School in the Fine Arts Department have continued to further their study of music at major institutions including Berkley School of Music, North Carolina School of the Arts, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Howard University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Meredith College, Peace College, Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, and Furman University. Students are encouraged to get involved as freshmen. Opportunities are not limited to upperclassmen. Extracurricular activities within the department include: Spring Musical, Men’s Choir, Gospel Choir and Spring Trips.

Instrumental Music

The Sanderson Band has a long history of excellence, dating back to the school’s opening in the 1960’s. Currently, the Sanderson Band program consists of the Marching Spartans, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and various other small ensembles as well as annual performances with the Sanderson Theater Department in the spring musical. The band has performed extensively across North Carolina and the Southeastern United States in both marching band competitions and concert band festivals. Each year, many Sanderson Band students are selected for All-District, All-State, Governor’s School and many alumni are pursuing music degrees at some of the country's finest universities. Thank you for taking time to learn about the Sanderson High School Band and we hope to see you at one of our many performances throughout the year.

Visual Arts

Art

Visual Art is the skillful presentation of concepts and/or emotions (ideas and feelings) in a form that is structurally (compositionally) pleasing to the senses. - Kenneth M. Lansing

There are no mistakes in art, only creative delays. - Bob Rankin

Goals of Art Education

Ideas and concepts communicated through art are essential for everyone's education. In Art class you will learn to be more creative, innovative, solve problems, make better judgments, and be a more flexible thinker. You will be allowed to express your inner feelings through a medium that has a strong impact on our society and has influenced our history. As in other academic areas, I do not teach Art only to prepare you to become working artists. I do not expect students to enroll in art class only because they have an aptitude or a "gift" for the subject. I feel all students benefit from an education in the arts because you will acquire essential skills that will assist you throughout your life and whatever career path you choose. Your ultimate goal in this class is to try your best at everything you do.